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The new AMD Ryzen 9 5900X processor and the rest of the Ryzen 5000 series have been released, giving Intel some competition for single-core and multi-threaded performance for the first time. Each subsequent edition of the Ryzen series processors since the first ones debuted a few years back has brought with it observable enhancements and performance gains.

Although Intel and AMD have been at war for well over a decade, it has long been believed that Intel produced the superior chip. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X competes head-to-head with the best Intel processors currently available, challenging the notion put out by the new Ryzen CPUs.

We’ll delve further into what makes this CPU unique today. We’ll discuss why this CPU is a top option for serious gamers and professionals, and we’ll also show you where to seek for the best discounts if you’re ready to upgrade your PC.

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Specifications

The AMD Zen 3 architecture serves as the foundation for the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X. The Zen 2 architecture from the previous generation has been updated with this new architecture. The new Ryzen 5000 series’ direct access to the L3 cache is the biggest improvement.

Due to the improved design, games and programs can give more instructions per clock by having direct access to the L3 cache. This enhancement results in a marginally perceptible improvement in gaming performance over the previous generation.

The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X consumes up to 105 watts of electricity at its maximum performance. This indicates that your CPU will use a sizable portion of your power, second only to your graphics card. Before installing this CPU, you might wish to upgrade your PC’s power supply if it is anything less than 500 watts.

Another thing to keep in mind is that, like the rest of the current Ryzen range, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X requires a motherboard with an AM4 socket. Therefore, you won’t need to update if your computer is already equipped with a Ryzen CPU from a prior generation. On the other hand, you’ll also need to upgrade your motherboard if you’re thinking about moving away from Intel or an incredibly old AMD processor.

Like every other Ryzen processor, the 5900X offers full DDR4 ram support, with speeds of up to 3200MHz. You may add enough RAM alongside your processor to do even the most difficult jobs if your processor has dual-channel capabilities.

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Specs

Platform	Boxed Processor
# of CPU Cores	12
Base Clock	3.7GHz
Default TDP	105W
CPU Socket	AM4
Launch Date	11/5/2020
Product Family	AMD Ryzen™ Processors
# of Threads	24
L2 Cache	6MB
Processor Technology for CPU Cores	TSMC 7nm FinFET
Thermal Solution (PIB)	Not included
*OS Support	Windows 10 – 64-Bit EditionRHEL x86 64-BitUbuntu x86 64-Bit
Product Line	AMD Ryzen™ 9 Desktop Processors
Max. Boost Clock	Up to 4.8GHz
L3 Cache	64MB
Unlocked for Overclocking	Yes
Max. Operating Temperature (Tjmax)	90°C

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Performance & Tests

The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is, by a wide margin, the fastest processor we’ve ever evaluated on a mainstream platform. The Ryzen 9 5900X greatly outperformed not only its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 3900X, but also its major rival, the Intel Core i9-10900K, in all but one of our tests.

This time, we concentrated our testing on the top PC games available because AMD is now emphasizing that use-case, and for good reason.

The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X outperforms the Intel Core i9-10900K by 8% in Assassins Creed Odyssey, the game with the highest CPU load in our test suite. This results in a frame rate increase exceeding 80 fps. But in this test, it is roughly on par with the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X.

However, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X deviates more from Intel processors in Total War: Three Kingdoms, a title that has always favored Intel processors. When playing this game at 1080p with the Ultra quality level, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X averages 116 frames per second, outpacing the Intel Core i9-10900108 K’s frames per second. There is also a 7% difference there.

The Time Spy physics test is the one area where Intel has an advantage. Instead of reporting the overall score for this test, we only consider the CPU score. In comparison to Intel’s 13,888 points, the Ryzen 9 5900X earns 12,885 points. That turns the tables in that synthetic gaming task, giving Intel a 7% advantage. What’s remarkable is that it has already caught up to the Ryzen 9 3950X, the top model from the previous generation.

Now that we’ve moved on to CPU-only workloads, it should come as no surprise that the Ryzen 9 5900X destroys the Core i9-10900K in multi-core workloads, but the same was true of the Ryzen 9 3900X. However, the Ryzen 9 5900X now outperforms the Intel Core i9-10900K by 24% in the GeekBench 5 multi-core test, up from the Ryzen 9 3900X’s 11% advantage.

The multi-core lead jumps to a huge 31% in Cinebench R20, which simulates rendering for creative applications. The Ryzen 9 5900X has the smallest advantage in terms of pure CPU performance; it is only 18% quicker on the SISoft Sandra CPU Arithmetic test, but that advantage is still sizable.

The major development here is the substantial improvement in single-core speed made possible by the Zen 3 architecture’s complete redesign. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X achieves a score of 618 in the Cinebench R20 single-core test, up from the Ryzen 9 3900X’s 518, representing a 19% generational improvement. In this test, the Intel Core i9-10900K earns 522 points, which is 18% less than AMD.

That pattern appears again in each of our sandbox single-core testing. In Cinebench R15 single-core, GeekBench 4, and GeekBench 5, the Intel Core i9-10900K performs 21% slower, 9% slower, and 12% slower, respectively.

Finally, AMD has reclaimed Intel’s top spot for single-core performance. Although benchmarking software clearly shows this, the way that this is represented in actual game performance is more astounding. With Zen 3, AMD sought to produce the finest processor for gaming, and according to every test we’ve conducted, Team Red has succeeded admirably.

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Conclusion

However, if you plan to run a mix of games and programs, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is unquestionably the best option given what Intel is currently providing and at what price. The Ryzen 9 5800X is a better choice if you mostly play video games or exclusively use low-threaded programs because it costs less ($450) and performs equally well or better in those tasks. Check out our Ryzen 5 5600X review as well; it costs $300 and outperforms most Intel CPUs in terms of productivity and gaming.

Is AMD Ryzen 9 5900X worth it?

AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series was released in late 2020, and the new CPUs included the all-new Zen 3 architecture. On both the gaming and productivity fronts, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X was introduced to fight directly with the competition’s Core i9 models. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X was positioned as AMD’s “reasonable” flagship, retailing for $549 at launch.

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X was regarded as one of the best consumer-grade CPUs on the market, particularly for gaming and content creation. It has exceptional multi-core performance, high clock rates, and PCIe 4.0 compatibility, making it a viable candidate for both enthusiasts and pros.

Because of its high core count and efficient Zen 3 design, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is a phenomenally capable CPU for both gaming and office applications. However, because to its expensive price, it is not suitable for everyone and may even be considered overkill in most gaming circumstances.

However, whether the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is worthwhile for you is dependent on your unique requirements and budget. Here are some things to think about while deciding if it’s worth the investment:

Use Case: If you use your computer primarily for gaming, content production, 3D rendering, or other CPU-intensive applications, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X can deliver considerable performance advantages over lower-tier CPUs. It performs well in multi-threaded workloads, which is useful for jobs like video editing and 3D graphics.

Budget: The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is a high-end CPU with a premium price tag. Consider if your budget allows for such a cost or whether you might obtain the same performance with a less expensive CPU.

In conclusion, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is a strong CPU with good performance, but whether it is worthwhile depends on your unique needs and budget.

Is AMD Ryzen 9 5900X good for gaming?

The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is unquestionably one of the fastest gaming processors on the market, thanks to its excellent specifications and the much upgraded Zen 3 architecture. In most games, it even competes with the considerably more costly Ryzen 9 5950X, giving it a better value for money.

If you match the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X with a high-end GPU, you can expect buttery-smooth framerates in even the most demanding gaming scenarios. On that front, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X can handle almost any GPU available at the time of writing without experiencing severe bottlenecks at 1440p or 4K resolution.

With a starting MSRP of $549, the value question gets a little more tricky. While the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is really fast, it is not the greatest bargain for gamers. There are cheaper choices in AMD’s portfolio (Ryzen 5 5600X and Ryzen 7 5800X) that can deliver 80-90% of the 5900X’s gaming performance for a fraction of the price.

Furthermore, because to its enlarged power budget, the Ryzen 9 5900X runs rather hot and uses a lot of power, which might be an extra source of worry when selecting this CPU for gaming. As a result, if you just want to play games on this CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X may be deemed overkill.

However, it’s important to remember that the CPU is only one component of your gaming gear. The selection of GPU (graphics card), RAM, and storage also has an impact on gaming performance. For the greatest gaming experience, ensure that your whole system is balanced and that you have a competent GPU to compliment the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X.

In conclusion, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is a superb gaming CPU with strong single-core and multi-core performance. It’s a good pick if you’re creating a gaming PC and want top-tier performance, but be sure to couple it with a decent graphics card and other components for a well-rounded gaming machine.

Can you overclock AMD Ryzen 9 5900X?

Yes, you can overclock the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Motherboard Compatibility: A suitable motherboard is required to overclock a AMD Ryzen 9 5900X. To guarantee steady overclocking, look for a motherboard with a decent VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) architecture and sturdy power delivery. For this purpose, motherboards with the B550 or X570 chipset are frequently recommended.

Cooling: Because overclocking creates extra heat, you’ll need a good cooling system. Aftermarket air coolers or liquid cooling systems can aid with temperature control.

BIOS Update: Make sure your motherboard’s BIOS is up to date, since manufacturers frequently make upgrades that improve Ryzen CPU compatibility and reliability.

Overclocking Software: To overclock, utilize AMD Ryzen Master software or your motherboard’s BIOS. For changing CPU parameters, Ryzen Master provides a user-friendly interface, whereas BIOS overclocking provides greater control but may be more difficult.

Stress Testing: It is critical to stress test your CPU after overclocking to check for stability and temperature concerns. This may be accomplished using tools such as Prime95 or AIDA64.

Overclocking often involves adjusting parameters such as CPU voltage (Vcore) and clock multiplier to enhance the CPU’s clock speed. Keep in mind that greater voltages might result in increased power consumption and heat generation, so striking a balance between performance and temperature is critical.

Overclocking might void your CPU’s warranty, so be aware of this possibility. Some manufacturers, such as AMD, do provide unlocked CPUs, such as the Ryzen “X” series, which are intended for overclocking and may have more flexible warranty conditions.

Yield Variation: Because of manufacturing variances, the overclocking potential of different CPUs might vary. All AMD Ryzen 9 5900X CPUs will not overclock to the same degree.

Before attempting to overclock your AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, I recommend conducting extensive study on overclocking techniques unique to your motherboard and CPU, regularly monitoring temperatures, and proceeding with caution to prevent hurting your gear. Overclocking can boost performance, but it must be done with caution to guarantee system stability and lifespan.

What temperature should an AMD Ryzen 9 5900X run at?

In general, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X should operate within a safe temperature range to maintain optimal performance and CPU longevity. They are heat-resistant and intended to work at temperatures about 80 degrees Celsius.

How much power does AMD Ryzen 9 5900X draw?

Power consumption, efficiency, and thermals for the Ryzen 9 5950X and AMD Ryzen 9 5900X. Notably, AMD’s choice to continue with the AM4 socket limits its maximum power consumption at 142W, implying that the firm will be unable to boost power consumption for the new flagship models.